Mets have eye on Contreras

Thursday

While most of the trade talk has focused on one White Sox pitcher — a certain left-hander who may or may not be about ready to sign a contract extension — there’s another hurler whose name is quietly being tossed around.

According to a few reports out of New York, the Mets have shown interest in Jose Contreras. Given a choice, though, the right-hander would rather stay in Chicago.

“I really want to stay here, but if I get traded to the New York Mets, they’re a great team,” Contreras said. “But I really, really don’t want to go anywhere.’’

If someone does want to acquire the Cuban pitcher, they’d have to convince him to waive his no-trade clause.

“I do have one, but if (the Sox) come to me and say they want to trade me, that means they want to get rid of you,” Contreras said Wednesday. “So I would just waive it.”

One of the main reasons Contreras would be a target — aside from his sometimes filthy stuff — is the fact he’s signed through 2009 and wouldn’t become a free agent this winter, as Mark Buehrle could.

Still, Contreras would rather not have to worry about it at all.

“I’ve heard rumors and stuff, but there’s nothing I can do about it,” Contreras said. “I would like to stay here, but if I get traded, I get traded. I’ve already been through it one time before in New York.’’

Contreras signed with the Yankees after defecting from Cuba but didn’t perform up to expectations. He became a scapegoat for the team’s struggles. He then was traded to the Sox in 2004 and eventually became the ace of the 2005 World Series staff.

One advantage New York has is that Contreras’ good friend, Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez,” plays for the Mets. Contreras said he has not talked with his fellow Cuban recently.

Decision Day 2007

The Sox will probably make a decision as to whether to put right fielder Jermaine Dye (strained right quad) on the disabled list Friday.

The plan is for him to play Friday in Kansas City, according to manager Ozzie Guillen, but Dye said the painkiller shot he got Sunday still hadn’t sunk in as of Wednesday. That could be an impediment toward his return.

“The shot takes three days to get in there, before it starts working,” said Dye, who has been hitting since Tuesday and thinks he will know whether he’s ready today. “It still feels about the same.”

Dye has missed the Sox’s last five games.

Speed it up

A faster-moving Matt Thornton worked a perfect inning Monday and two shutout frames Tuesday.

“I have a free and easy motion and I think that kind of was a little too free and easy … ” Thornton said.

“I found something with my legs, getting more out of my legs and the tempo up to the plate — I picked up the pace a little bit and it helped a lot.”

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